Tap water is the easiest option because it’s everywhere. The good thing is that it keeps people hydrated at almost no cost. In many countries it’s also treated so that it’s safe to drink and doesn’t carry harmful bacteria.

But there are downsides. Governments often add chlorine to kill bacteria, and in some places fluoride is added to help reduce tooth decay. In theory that sounds helpful, but the issue is that chlorine and fluoride aren’t things your body naturally wants in large amounts. Chlorine can affect the taste of water and there are concerns about long term exposure. Fluoride does strengthen teeth, but too much can build up in the body and some studies link it to thyroid imbalance or other health issues.

Tap water can also carry traces of pesticides, heavy metals, or microplastics depending on where you live and how old the pipes are. That doesn’t mean it’s always unsafe, but it does mean the quality can vary a lot. For me, the pro of tap water is that it’s accessible and cheap. The con is that it may contain chemicals or residues you’d rather avoid. That’s why a good filter at home can make such a difference.

Bottled water is convenient and often feels like the “safe” option, especially if you’re unsure about the tap water where you are. But as we’ve seen recently in France with Perrier, Vittel, Contrex and others, bottled water isn’t always what it promises to be. Investigations found that some brands were using filtering techniques that aren’t allowed under the “natural mineral water” label, and there were even reports of bottles contaminated with bacteria and high levels of microplastics.

On top of that, bottled water in plastic brings its own problems. Plastic can leach chemicals into the water, especially if the bottle is left in the sun or in a hot car. If you do buy bottled water, it’s always better to choose glass. Glass doesn’t leach, it’s safer for your health, and it’s kinder to the planet too.

Filtered water can give you the best of both worlds. A good filter removes chlorine, reduces heavy metals, and improves taste. The important thing is to maintain the filter properly, because once it’s old or clogged it stops doing its job.

Some people also use reverse osmosis, which strips almost everything out of the water. The downside is that it also removes the minerals your body needs. If you use reverse osmosis, it’s important to remineralise the water afterwards.

Personally, this is where I’ve found my balance. I use a LARQ filtered bottle every day, and in my first refill of the day I add a dropper of ionic minerals. Hydration isn’t just about how much water you drink, it’s also about how well your body holds onto it. Minerals like sodium, magnesium and potassium help your cells actually absorb water. Without them, water can pass straight through without properly hydrating. Since I also use an infrared sauna daily and sweat a lot, replenishing minerals makes a huge difference to how I feel.